50 Quick Getaways
Places to go when you absolutely, positively need a break—right now!
By Sheryl Smith-Rodgers, Wendee Holtcamp and June Naylor
The problem with planning a trip—even a quick one—is that it can seem a lot like work. Schedules, budgets, to-do lists, packing lists, other people with opinions. It's time to tear up those lists and jump in the car. For those family members who lack spontaneity, wanderlust and/or spunk, try out this powerfully persuasive line: Road Trip! Our writers have done the work for you. All you need is this handy guide (oh, and maybe a cell phone to call for reservations). These getaways near Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin were selected with convenience in mind. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, birdwatch, or just gaze at something other than your computer, your next adventure is just a short drive down the road.
Houston Area
1. Like a Forest, but Thicker
Escape to an earlier era when East Texas settlers lived in log cabins surrounded by lush Big Thicket forests. More than 180 bird species, 80 fish species, 50 reptiles and 30 amphibians dwell within these forests, but the Big Thicket's true eminence comes from the stunning diversity of plant and tree species that grow here. Stay in one of the rustic log cabin B&Bs offered at Ethridge Farm or Pelt Farm - both located close to Kountze. Spend the weekend hiking the Big Thicket, including an unforgettable walk along Sundew Trail to see carnivorous pitcher plants and sundews in the nearby Hickory Creek Savannah Unit. Best time to go: April brings an array of flowering dogwood and orchids and is a good time to see pitcher plants. - WH2. Chain-O-Fun
Built on a reclaimed 20th-century gravel mine, majestic Big Thicket forests have grown up around the 500-acre Chain-O-Lakes resort near Cleveland, with 43 cabins, most overlooking 250 acres of interconnected lakes. Owners Jimmy and Helena Smith share a genuine passion for the environment and manage an outdoor Shangri-la where families reconnect with nature - and each other. The resort has biking and hiking trails, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding and a spring-fed swimming lake. The world-class Hilltop Herb Farm Restaurant is worth a trip in itself. I spent Thanksgiving here with my kids and parents; we gazed at constellations, rode horses and saw a humongous snapping turtle; my 10-year-old son said it was one of the coolest things he's ever done (and we'd just been to Australia). Best time to go: Catch some lovely fall colors and crisp weather October to November. - WH
Central Texas
3. Enjoy the View on a Glass Bottom Boat
Aquarena Springs in San Marcos once entertained visitors with glass bottom boat rides, a sky-ride tram, arcades and underwater shows. Today, the former theme park houses the Aquarena Texas River Center, an educational arm of Texas State University. Glass bottom boats still give guests an up-close look at underwater life within crystal-clear Spring Lake, fed by more than 1,000 springs that bubble up from the Edwards Aquifer. The Endangered Species Exhibit and Natural Aquarium contain four endangered species and other animals native to the springs and adjoining San Marcos River. From the floating Wetlands Boardwalk, keen eyes may spot cormorants, pied-bill grebes and other waterfowl. Another great outing in town: hike the scenic San Marcos River Walk, a 2.5-mile trail system that starts at the Greenhouse Interpretive Center. Best time to go: Avoid the crowds on weekdays. - SSR4. Get Wet in Wimberley
Wow, for a small town, Wimberley has a lot to do: Climb up the stone steps to the summit of Old Baldy, one of two peaks located off Ranch Road 2325 in Woodcreek. Tour Bella Vista Ranch, the state's first commercial olive oil company. Look for bargains at Market Day, with more than 450 vendors spread across 17 acres. Cool off in Blue Hole, rated among the state's top swimming holes. Bring a blanket to watch a first-run movie at the Corral Theatre, an open-air big screen, or students performing Shakespeare Under the Stars at the outdoor EmilyAnn Theatre. Stay overnight at Dancing Waters Inn and see Jacob's Well, believed to be the longest underwater cave in Texas. Best time to go: Summer weekends. Market Days at Lions Field held first Saturday, April-December. Corral Theatre open summer Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Shakespeare runs the first two weeks of August. Blue Hole open summer weekends only. - SSR
Dallas/Fort Worth Area
5. Longhorns and Butterflies
Due west of Fort Worth on scenic U.S. 180, Albany may well offer you the best surprises in near West Texas. Part of the state's official longhorn herd greets you at Fort Griffin State Park and Historic Site, where you can hike around the picturesque ruins of a hand-dug well, cavalry barracks, officers' quarters, bakery, hospital and other fort buildings. In town, be sure to eat an unforgettable steak at the Fort Griffin Mercantile, buy vintage Texas maps and books at the Lynch Line shop, and visit the Old Jail Art Center, one of the nation's richest small museums, right on the pretty Shackelford County Courthouse square. Stay at Stasney's Cook Ranch, where you can take tours to look for bison, deer, wild boar and coyote, as well as migrating monarch butterflies in the fall and dozens upon dozens of birds heading to and from the Rio Grande Valley in fall and spring. Bring your mountain bike, too, to ride the ranch. Best time to go: Spring and fall for migrations. - JN
For 45 more quick getaways, pick up a copy of the March 2007 issue of Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine.
